Related Articles

Mr Blair said in his fax he realised that the Maddocks were trying to help not only their own daughter but also other children. He had found their input on ways of improving the bone marrow registries "very useful".

He went on to say he had asked the Department of Health to report within a month on what extra funding was needed to increase bone marrow donation. Similarly, he wanted their observations on ways to increase public awareness of the importance of becoming a donor.

Mr Blair also praised the work done by supporters of Molly-Ann Barnett, seven, from Hessle, near Hull, who successfully campaigned for a donor to cure her acute myeloid leukaemia. That campaign last year attracted 17,000 new donors.

Mr Blair ended his letter with a personal message, saying: "I am glad you were able to come to see me at such a difficult and demanding time for you and your family. Please give my best wishes to Alice. I do hope that she continues to remain well despite the rigours of her present treatment."

Mrs Maddocks said she and her husband, a 38-year-old policeman, were "extremely grateful" for Mr Blair's intervention.

She said: "It's fantastic. It gives a greater chance of finding a donor for Alice sooner rather than later. More people will now have the opportunity of becoming a donor quickly, instead of waiting four or five months.

"I'm grateful for what Mr Blair has done, but also amazed at the effect we've been able to have. I can't say that I disliked him before, but his actions have restored my faith in the Government.

"It's great that he's broken off from his holiday to fax us so encouraging a letter. I hope he has lots of sunshine!"

A spokesman for the National Blood Service said its staff was working very hard to deliver the new service.

Last year, NBS staff worked overtime to register the bone marrow types of thousands of volunteers who came forward after Molly-Ann's case was publicised by her family. A donor was eventually found in the United States.